ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY, EMPLOYMENT LAW
JOB SUMMARY:
Salary / Hourly: Salary.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Associate Attorney, Employment Law role is responsible for the full oversight of all assigned employment-related client matters. Responsibilities include pre-litigation and litigation of employment matters as well as advising clients on litigation avoidance and best practices. Tasks will include case research, client relationship management, diligent counsel, intra-firm coordination, and case outcomes. Reporting to the Senior Counsel Attorney for Litigation, the Associate Attorney, Employment Law will take a focused approach in delivering high-quality client service via effective case management and high-value legal counsel. While living Lagerlof’s core values of “Integrity, Hard Work, Excellence, and Team,” the Associate Attorney, Employment Law will act as a key player in ensuring a branded client experience via effective case management.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Handle all aspects of pre-litigation and litigation of employment matters from intake through pleadings, motion practice, discovery, mediation, and trial.
- Counsel clients on litigation avoidance in employment matters, including policies guidance and document analysis and advice.
- Ensure high quality counsel and legal advice to all assigned clients, prospects, 3rd party partners, and affiliates.
- Perform legal research, and prepare legal memoranda advising clients, on a range of topics— particularly pertaining to employment matters such as, but not limited to, worker’s compensation, wages, workplace safety,
compliance, discrimination, termination, employee benefits, and retirement.
- Maintain updated knowledge, and continued learning, in the areas of legal specialty, specific to employment and labor laws as the state (particularly California) and federal level, including items such as the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Family/Medical Leave (FMLA), Health & Safety (OSHA), etc.
- Ensure thorough execution of drafting and reviewing resolutions, ordinances, contracts and other transactional documents as it pertains to assigned cases and projects.
- Prepare legal documents, such as contracts, dispositions, pleadings, etc. in a timely manner.
- Maintain effective coordination with opposing counsel and other involved parties as needed.
- Independently manage employment law caseload, develop case theories, and execute case strategies in consultation with Senior Counsel Attorney.
- Build, maintain, and grow trusting client relationships via ongoing communication, maintaining a thorough understanding of client needs, interests, concerns, goals, options, etc.
- Develop strategies and arguments to resolve cases favorably and cost-effectively for all assigned clients.
- Utilize, and collaboration with, supportive personnel (such as Paralegals, Legal Assistants, File Clerks, etc.) in order to ensure all case/business related materials (records, letters, legal documents, case files, correspondence, financial reports, invoices, etc.) are effectively managed for efficient and high-value client service and case outcomes.
- Conduct all matters in an ethical fashion in accordance with the law and in the interest of the client.
- Demonstrate Lagerlof’s core values of “Integrity, Hard Work, Excellence, and Team” and participate in cross-
departmental and organizational planning and volunteer efforts as needed.
- Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in law practice, business administration, client relations, or consulting/professional services with demonstrated focus and background in employment law.
- Juris Doctorate and California Bar Accreditation required. Bachelor’s Degree required; related to law, business administration, or relevant field(s). Master’s degree preferred.
- Experience in, and knowledge of, state and federal labor laws, inclusive of, but not limited to, wages, workplace safety, compliance, discrimination, termination, employee benefits, and retirement.
- Demonstrated ability to problem-solve, prioritize work, manage time, and organize tasks effectively.
- Proficient communication skills (written and verbal) with ability to effectively research, read, interpret, and
organize information with accuracy and consistency.
- Ability to maintain remain focused and professional in high-tense situations (e.g., communicating with highly
stressed clients throughout difficult cases).
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with all organizational levels within a diverse and fast paced
environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Microsoft Teams) and Adobe Acrobat.